Physiotherapy

Internship I represents the student’s first professional training experience within the Physiotherapy degree program and is designed to provide a guided introduction to clinical and rehabilitative practice. Throughout the internship, students, under the constant supervision of experienced physiotherapist tutors, participate in observational and practical activities aimed at understanding the physiotherapist’s role and responsibilities within different healthcare contexts. The internship focuses on patient observation and movement analysis, on understanding health needs, and on the preliminary identification of the physiotherapeutic area of intervention. Students are also introduced to the basic use of outcome measures and assessment tools appropriate for various health conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on reflection regarding the principles of the bio-psycho-social model, observation of interpersonal and communication dynamics within multidisciplinary teams, and adherence to safety and professional ethics standards. The internship is carried out at healthcare facilities affiliated with the University, including the program’s primary training site — the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Andrea — where students have the opportunity to become familiar with clinical pathways, rehabilitation settings, and interprofessional practice.

To access Internship I, students must possess basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and general pathology, with particular reference to the systems governing human movement. A preliminary understanding of the principles of biomechanics and kinesiology is also required, together with foundational notions of professional behavior, communication, and the helping relationship within healthcare settings. In order to be admitted to the final examination, the student must have completed all the internship hours required by the curriculum — 350 hours for the first academic year — and obtained at least a “satisfactory” evaluation from the clinical tutors during the various rotations established in the program schedule. Only after fulfilling these conditions will the student be allowed to take the final assessment, which summarizes the theoretical and practical learning achieved during the academic year.

Linee Guida per l'intervento fisioterapico - riconoscere e segnalare le "bandiere rosse"

Attendance in Internship I is mandatory. Students must complete the full number of hours required by the first-year curriculum, amounting to 350 hours, in order to be admitted to the final examination. Regular attendance, punctuality, active participation, and adherence to ethical and professional standards are essential conditions for the validation of the internship experience and for the progressive development of the student’s professional identity as a future physiotherapist.

The assessment for Internship I takes place in person and consists of a theoretical–practical and oral examination. The purpose of the assessment is to verify the student’s understanding of anatomical and physiological principles, as well as the bio-psycho-social model, their ability to observe and analyze movement, and their capacity to apply coherent clinical reasoning to case scenarios proposed by the examiner. The evaluation also considers the student’s clarity of expression, accuracy of scientific terminology, and ability to approach clinical problems critically and professionally.

Spundiņa L, Veseta U, Ābele A. The Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity Level and Self-Efficacy in Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Jun 27;22(7):1029. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22071029. PMID: 40724095; PMCID: PMC12294538. Sheriff IHN, Ahmed F, Jivraj N, Wan JCM, Sampford J, Ahmed N. Student-led leadership training for undergraduate healthcare students. Leadersh Health Serv (Bradf Engl). 2017 Oct 2;30(4):428-431. doi: 10.1108/LHS-03-2017-0018. Epub 2017 Sep 25. PMID: 28945158. Yeldon J, Wilson R, Laferrière J, Arseneau G, Gu BSc S, Hall M, Norman KE, Yoshida K, Mori B. Let's Talk about the Talk: Exploring the Experience of Discussing Student Performance at the Mid- and Final Points of the Clinical Internship. Physiother Can. 2018 Summer;70(3):240-248. doi: 10.3138/ptc.2016-96. PMID: 30275649; PMCID: PMC6158568.

The internship takes place entirely in person at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Andrea and other healthcare institutions affiliated with the University. Activities include direct observation of patients, supervised participation in clinical practice alongside physiotherapist tutors, and guided reflection sessions. The learning experience is progressively structured to strengthen observational, relational, and professional skills, facilitating the student’s gradual transition from observation to active participation within the clinical environment.